North Carolina State University at Raleigh Top Questions

If I could have gone back in time and talked to myself as a high school senior I would have told myself to be more open to possibilities I did not forsee in my life. I got to college and there were a lot of opportunities thrown at me upon arrival. Some of them I had never heard of before, therefore I did not consider joinging certain organizations. If I could go back and talk to myself I would tell me to be open to new experiences immediately upon arriving at college. Also, i would have told myself to not be afraid to look around at different oraganizations that share similar beliefs. I stuck with all of the first organizations that I tried out, even though I was not completely satisfied. I started looking around a bit more at the start of my second semseter, and have found things that I love. However, I cannot help but think I missed out on an entire semester of getting to know great people because I settled upon coming to the University.

If I were able to go back in time and talk to myself as a high school senior, I would have so many things to say! The most important thing I hope that I would hope to convey is that there are social orders in life for a reason. School comes first! We are presented with the opportunity for college training at this time because this is when it makes the most sense! When you think about it, it may not seem like it, but the responsibilities that you have at 17 and 18 are nothing compared to even five years from now, a spouse, and kids later. It is 10 times harder to go back to school while trying to work and care for a family. The pennies that you make working now, more than likely you will have nothing to show for it down the line either. Finishing college will open up doors for more money and opportunities to be your bosses boss! When you do start college don't even try the excuse of "taking it slow." You will never geaduate that way, and more than likely end up working pay check to paycheck. Get her done!

I would absolutely learn to study more efficiently. Also, I would take into consideration what exactly I want to do or at least a field I am interested in and choose a school that has more variety in majors. I love my school but I do wish I had more options. I think it is definitely important to realize just how much time you are going to have to dedicate to your studies and start preparing for that while in school.

"Do." If I could go back to talk to a younger version of myself, that is what I would say. Do everything. Do start early, so that once you are done the application, there is plenty of opportunity to search for financial aid and scholarships - some of which will not be available once you start college. Do go with your gut, but also do step out of your comfort zone. Picking a college is about finding what matches your needs, and also about going somewhere you will grow. Once you're there, keep on doing. Do make a routine - it is a lot easier to eat healthy, stay on top of work, and make time to workout . Do sit up front in your classes, and introduce yourself to professors. There is definitley truth to the warning that your grade drops as you sit farther away, and take a moment to realize how much you are paying for each individual class before you skip. Do get good grades your freshman year, because that solid GPA is essential for opening doors later. The only don't? Don't forget to enjoy yourself and explore - before you know it, you're almost done!

Take high school more serious and really listen to what the teacher are telling you. Also the study habbits, knowing that each class is not the same. One class may be way different and having to know and learn how to study to get the good grade. Taking more AP classes so that I dont have to take some of the classes now. Other then that I feel like I was perpered for college and was glad how it turned out.

So you are about to go to college I hear? Well, I have a little advice for you. Be sure to apply to as many scholarships as you can. take any AP or duel enrollment classes you can. Even if you get a low grade, its still good to try. Also, be sure to spend a lot of time with your family. They will not be around nearly as much once you leave for college. But, most importantly, make sure to spread out your group of friends. You may have plans to go to college with your best friend and think that will be plenty of friends in college, but plans my change, friends may move away or decide to different colleges. Having a large net of friends increases your chances of knowing at least a few people in the first few weeks of college. For the first few weeks, even months, having a familiar sight will allow you to adapt quicker and easier to college life. Soon you will make new groups of friends, but staying close to your old highschool buddies is extremely important. Most all, good luck and may the class curves be ever in your favor.

My advice is this: apply to a lot of schools, and visit all of them and compare them before deciding. Where you study is going to have a huge impact on your life and career. To get a true impression of a campus, you must place yourself there, on the ground, eating lunch at the cafeteria and reading the school newspaper among the working professors and students. As you'll see, each college is its own unique culture. You might be a poet looking for a vibrant writing community. Or a scientist looking for a big, productive lab to join. Whatever it is, make your visits with a "search" mindset, and note all the aspects of each campus that would help you flourish. The curricula will be very important. Ask yourself which institution is approaching your subject from an appealing angle. On your visits, did you feel surrounded by intelligent, interesting people? Don't overlook the student bodies--because these are going to be your colleagues. Also, the professors. At which schools are they at the forefront of your field? And the little things will make a difference too: a good library, gym, or health center.

If I could tell my past self anything, it would be to just hang in there. I didn't have the easiest time in high school, but I believe that all my experiences helped to shape who I am today. Also, to help with the transition into college, I would tell myself to be more open with the people I met. At the beginning of college I was too closed-off, and if I had opened up, I know I could have had an easier transition into college life. But overall, I wouldn't want anything to change, because now I am happier than I have been in a long time. All experiences, no matter good or bad, help to make the college experience, and eventually, everyone finds a group they will be truely happy with.

In high school, I found my social life taking precedent over my academic life. However, this did not present much of a problem. Grade-wise, academics have always worked out in my favor no matter how much effort I placed into them. Now that I am in college I realize that one’s focus should be primarily on academics. Although a huge part of the “college experience” consists of social events like football games, fraternity parties, and extracurricular activities- college is a place to succeed in the academic world and build a stable foundation that will aid in one’s acceptance into graduate school or in one’s success else-ware, dependent on which career path he or she is taking. My advice is to create a healthy balance between your social life and your classes and although it will be difficult to stay on track, these four years are what determines the rest of your life and should be treated as such. College classes are much more challenging than high school courses, and you can’t just “play the game” and expect A’s. Have fun, but make sure that you are completing what needs to be completed first.

Please stay strong through this hard year, keep your optimistic outlook even after all the deaths that have occurred. Even if your family doesn't believe in you and has attempted to divert you from this path, you have made it this far. College is paradise, and is a freedom from those burdens so embrace it with your work ethic and your passion. Do not let yourself feel trapped by your major, branch out and explore other possibilities. Maintain your intrinsic motivation to better yourself and your community. Make lasting friendships and never betray their trust. You have a moral compass and you know what is right and wrong, do not deviate from that. Do not rationalize your bad decisions, take responsibility for your actions. Begin every day with a loving attitude and a short-term goal. College is not only for the acquisition of knowledge, but also the experience: have fun. Appreciate what you now have every single day. Get a triple laundry sorter, it will save you from getting written up for a dirty room. Lastly, don't forget your socks and towels like I did (you look like a fool to your roommate.)